Of all men most miserable?
Paul said that if there is no resurrection then Christ is not risen, and if Christ is not risen then our preaching is vain, "and your faith is also vain (1 Corinthians 15:14)." But then he added these words: " If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19)." Can you say that? I don’t believe many people in the Church can actually - truthfully - say those words. They live, after all, a great deal like non-Christians. If Christ isn’t risen that would be something of a disappointment to them because they are banking on getting to heaven. But upon examination I doubt that you could say that, if in this life only they have hope in Christ, they are more miserable than other men. They live the same pleasant lives, enjoy the same good things, have the same enjoyable hobbies, play the same sports, and lead the same ordinary, safe and healthy life. If Christ is not risen how are they worse off? Here's why ...